Pod filters, Exhaust, Dynojets... where is the problem?

I have spent hours and hours reading the forums about the issues of installing pod filters on XJs (XJ650 1983 in my case), however I still decided to go ahead.

So I got 4 EMGO filters, Dynojet kit and a 4-into-1 Mac exhaust. I installed the jets as per instructions; enlarged the slide lift holes with the included drill bit, put the cir-clip on the 3rd groove of the new needle, and used the #122 jets (although Dynojet recommends #118 if adding filters+exhaust). Put everything together, synched the carbs and played with the mixture screws until I was happy - the bike is now running like a charm.

Better sound and noticeable increase in torque.

Maybe I got lucky, but got it running perfectly fine and quite sure why all the "warnings" on the forum that these bikes will never run properly once you modify them...

 

I think you did it the right way by following the instructions you got and using the right settings with the exhaust system you choose to install.

I may be wrong, but I think most problems occur when one decides to modifiy the exhaust system the way it looks and sounds cool to him and then only after try to find a way to have it run properly without knowing what he's doing.

 

Ah, Je comprends

I didn't want to drill anything in the exhaust, I love the sound of MAC the way it is.

 

C'est drôle, je n'avais même pas remarqué que tu es de Montréal! En plus tu es un ti-lapin du 514! MOi je suis dans la Montérégie.

Bienvenue sur ce forum!

 

Just KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR PLUGS.

XJs love to run lean... right until they blow up/hole a piston or two.

 

ton nickname est difficile a manquer

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll check 'em out every few weeks.
So far (200 km later) they look fine

 

Tres bien!

Difficult tasks are often seen as impossible because people without discipline and perseverance take them on. Good Job on doing it right.

It would be interesting to see how your stats changed. Peak HP and MPG especially. Of course no stat needed for SOP (seat of pants) test!

 

Ce serait bien que tu mettes le modèle et l'année de ta (tes?) moto(s) dans ta signature.

 

Unfortunately I forgot to dyno the bike before putting on the mods
However, I will do a dyno run right now out of curiosity. MPG... gotta count that as well, although when I did what I did to the bike I didn't think of MPG much as I expect it to be worse than it was.

 

I did the exact same thing but with a custom straight through exhaust. I have had zero issues, I have checked the plugs and not much has changed with them. I did note that my MPG went way down though, im at about 30-35. But I also ride the hell out of this old girl and she loves every minute of it. She see's triple digits probably about once a week

 

NICE to hear posts on pods when done right!!!

skillet

 

So......let me get this figured out in my own head------

If a bike has pods put on it, and it doesn't run as well, but the MPG stays up.....that still a bad thing because it has pods.

Now, here we have a bike that has pods on it. It runs well, but the MPG has drastically dropped, yet people say that the pods have been done right?

Something still doesn't jive to me.

Maybe it's I just don't like pods. (except for the set that I have........the brand new ones still in the boxes, still on the shelf. I like them. They look awesome sitting up there.)

dave

 

Clownman reported worse fuel comsumption after he put pods, but 514rabbit hasn't yet. So your conclusions may not apply to 514rabbit's case, we'll see later!

 

Yea but Clownman has straight pipes and rides like he's trying to blow the gopher out the hole-that will suck anyone's gas.

 

OK... I have went through this argument many times. My understanding of the issue at hand is that the bike may run fine + slightly lean with pods + other mods. However, the bike will not run with 100% factory performance and the lean condition increases risk of holeing a piston.

I LOVE the way pods look, but any mod that increases the risk of blowing a motor isn't worth it in my book.

 

I am watching my MPG right now and will report later, of course I am expecting to burn more gas than stock. The bike sounds better, looks better, is a little faster has a bit more torque - I think it's worth paying a little more for the gas

 

So I seem to get between 35-40MPG and I do mostly city riding, very little highways. I am pretty happy with this

 

Wow, a pod success story on a XJ! And no mention of valves or did I miss it?
Anytime performance is added to a vehicle, the mpg's will decrease because of added acceleration and the amount of times said acceleration is applied. Which is probably often. :lol:

 

Well, yes, acceleration is applied quite more often

valves... I kind of took a shortcut on this one. I did check the valves and most were fine, a few were a tiny bit off but I was too excited to ride the bike so I decided to not wait and just ride it. I did order the new shims and will be installing them some time this summer...

The only inconvenience I have with the pod filters - rain. And it's been raining a lot in montreal lately. I bring a plastic grocery bag with me if it's cloudy outside and I cover the pod filters with it when I park the bike
I don't think the water will get in while i'm riding since my legs kind of cover the filters.

 

That's always been a problem with pods. Could make a permanent outside flap with the chrome c-shaped airbox covers.